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Austin Barnes Reflects on His Role in Clayton Kershaw‘s 3,000 Strikeout Milestone
Table of Contents
- Austin Barnes Reflects on His Role in Clayton Kershaw’s 3,000 Strikeout Milestone
- Barnes’s Unique Viewpoint on Kershaw’s Achievement
- A FaceTime Reunion After the Milestone
- The Catcher’s Legacy Tied to Kershaw’s Success
- Key Stats: Barnes and Kershaw
- Evergreen Insights: the Enduring Bond Between Pitchers and Catchers
- Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton Kershaw’s 3,000 Strikeout Achievement
Austin Barnes, a long-time catcher and integral part of Clayton Kershaw’s career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, found himself watching Kershaw’s historic 3,000th strikeout from Arizona on Wednesday night. Barnes, now with the San Francisco Giants organization, could onyl offer his congratulations via FaceTime after the game, marking a bittersweet moment for the former teammates [1].
Barnes’s Unique Viewpoint on Kershaw’s Achievement
barnes, a Southern California native, spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers, becoming Kershaw’s preferred catcher for many crucial games. His departure from the team on May 14, just before Kershaw’s season debut, signaled the end of a meaningful chapter.Now ramping up with the giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barnes followed Kershaw’s pursuit of 3,000 strikeouts with a mix of pride and longing.
Did You Know? Barnes caught 551 of Kershaw’s strikeouts, more than any other catcher except A.J. Ellis.
“I wish I could have been there,” Barnes admitted, watching on his iPhone as his young son slept beside him. “I’m just super excited for him.It’s an remarkable accomplishment.”
A FaceTime Reunion After the Milestone
Following the game, Dodgers executive VP Lon rosen connected Barnes with kershaw via FaceTime amid the postgame celebrations. While an in-person reunion would have been ideal, the call allowed Barnes to share his congratulations. Barnes had a .518 OPS in 13 games this season before the Dodgers designated him for assignment.The team’s decision to prioritize prospect Dalton Rushing ultimately outweighed the sentimentality of keeping Barnes to witness Kershaw’s milestone.
Pro Tip: Catchers often develop a unique understanding with pitchers, anticipating their pitches and providing crucial in-game support.
The Catcher’s Legacy Tied to Kershaw’s Success
While Barnes’s individual statistics may not be eye-popping (35 home runs and 4.4 WAR in his career),his legacy is inextricably linked to Kershaw’s. He takes immense pride in his role in Kershaw’s success. Only A.J. Ellis, who caught Kershaw for the first eight-plus years of his MLB career, has received more strikeouts (920).
“I always took pride when I caught him, to go out there or have him throw up zeroes,” Barnes said. “I took it real personal when we didn’t do well. But he’s the one throwing the ball.”
Kershaw,surrounded by teammates,family,and fans,emphasized the importance of shared celebrations. “I told my teammates, individual awards are great, but if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with, it doesn’t matter.”
Barnes understands the significance of kershaw’s achievement, acknowledging the years of dedication and health required to reach such a milestone. “It’s so hard to get to 3,000, man. You have to pitch so long and you have to stay healthy,” Barnes stated.
Key Stats: Barnes and Kershaw
| Statistic | Austin Barnes | Clayton Kershaw |
|---|---|---|
| Years as teammates | 11 | 11 |
| Strikeouts Caught from Kershaw | 551 | N/A |
| Barnes’s Career home Runs | 35 | N/A |
| Barnes’s Career WAR | 4.4 | N/A |
What other catcher-pitcher duos have had such a lasting impact on baseball history? How will Kershaw’s milestone affect his Hall of Fame prospects?
Evergreen Insights: the Enduring Bond Between Pitchers and Catchers
the relationship between a pitcher and catcher is one of the most crucial dynamics in baseball. A catcher must understand a pitcher’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies, acting as a strategic partner on the field. This bond, built on trust and interaction, can substantially impact a pitcher’s performance and career trajectory. The connection between Barnes and Kershaw exemplifies this special relationship, highlighting the catcher’s role in helping a pitcher achieve greatness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton Kershaw’s 3,000 Strikeout Achievement
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What role did Austin Barnes play in Clayton Kershaw’s career?
Austin Barnes was Clayton Kershaw’s teammate for 11 seasons with the Dodgers and caught 551 of Kershaw’s strikeouts.
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Why wasn’t Austin barnes at Dodger Stadium for Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout?
Barnes had signed a minor
